Based on the characters created by Sir Arthur Conanan Doyle, "Case of Evil" stars James D'Arcy ("The Life and Times of Nicholas Nickleby") as the 28-year-old detective. Roger Morlidge ("The English Patient") plays Dr. John Watson. Richard E. Grant ("Gosford Park") plays Mycroft Holmes, Sherlock's's older brother. Vincent D'Onofrio ("Law & Order: Criminal Intent") plays the evil Professor Moriarty, a man every bit as cunning as Holmes, maybe even more so.
The story opens just as Holmes is starting to develop his reputation as a master detective. Unlike many previous adaptations, this production shows Holmes fighting some of his own demons, including drinking, his ego and his love of the publicity showered on him by the London press.
Morlidge's performance as Watson will surprise those who only remember Nigel Bruce's Watson from the classic films featuring Basil Rathbone as the great detective. Watson still isn't Holmes' equal when it comes to solving cases, but here he more than holds his own in other areas, especially when he is conducting autopsies for the London police.
The plot involves Moriarty's devilish plan to corner the market on a new, highly addictive drug called heroin. Full of himself after solving his first big case, Holmes is tricked by Moriarty into working on a blackmail case. The woman, played by Gabrielle Anwar, ("If Looks Could Kill") has a bigger impact on Holmes then even Moriarty could imagine.
The sets, costuming and production values are all first rate. Director Graham Theakston ("Money Kings") does a nice job of bringing the London of 1886 to life. Writer Piers Ashworth ("Lawnmower Man") has also done a nice job of filling in the details of Holmes' early life.
The autopsy scenes have something of a "C.S.I." feel to them, but with 19th century technology. Even Inspector Lestrade is on hand. About the only characters missing from this film are Mrs. Hudson and the Baker Street Irregulars.
"Case of Evil" premiers on the USA Network on Friday, October 25th at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The choice is elementary. For more information, visit http://www.usanetwork.com.
Lifetime rocks on: For the third year in a row, Lifetime Television is showcasing "Women Rock! Girls & Guitars." Featuring an all-star line-up of female artists, the special is part of Lifetime's annual campaign to raise money and public awareness for the fight against breast cancer.
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